Lessons

Students must be 5 years - 17 years old to participate in group lessons. We encourage younger children or adults who wish to learn to sign up for a private lesson. All lessons start at our beginner hill, it is the students responsibility to report to lessons. Classes will begin promptly at their designated start time. If your student chooses not to attend, no credit or makeup will be provided. Parents are only allowed to tag along with the class if the student is smaller and requires assistance riding the chairlift. 

Beginner Group Lessons: 10:00 am- 11:30 am

Are the Beginner Group Lessons right for me? This is your first time skiing/snowboarding or you have skied/snowboarded before, but are still working on becoming comfortable on beginner terrain. Goal: To confidently ski/snowboard on our beginner terrain learning to turn, stop, control speed and enjoy skiing/snowboarding. Success: Simply means your child has fun and wants to go again. Group Beginner Lessons will introduce you to the hill, teach equipment knowledge/safety & basic beginner skills.

Beyond the Basic Group Lessons: 12:00 pm- 1:30 pm

Is the Beyond the Basic Group Lesson for me? You have the basics down! You are comfortable skiing/snowboarding, can safety navigate beginner terrain while controlling speed through turning (Skiers spend most of their time in parallel and snowboarders can turn onto both their heel and toe edge). Goal: To confidently go to the top of the mountain and ski/snowboarded green and blue runs while controlling speed. Success: Have fun while continue technique development that will allow students to safely explore more and more of the mountain.

Ability Level

Students are grouped according to ability level. Please take the time to read through our Ability Level Chart to see where your student is at in their educational development - https://ski49n.com/images/uploads/files/Ability_Level_Chart.pdf.

Communication

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Ski and Snowboard School by phone or email, (509) 935-6649 x610 or skischool@ski49n.com

Class Assignments

All class assignments are left to the discretion of the Ski and Snowboard School and its instructors. The instructors, and their supervisors are best able to decide which groups students should be placed in to ensure quality instruction and the best overall learning environment for each group.

Refunds & Cancellations

No Refunds will be given except in the case of injury. No refunds or credits will be issued for missed lessons or in the case that a student is removed from the program for disciplinary reasons. Injured skiers or snowboarders will receive a credit, in the form of a Gift Card, good for the unused portion of the multi-week program, but must provide either an accident form number if injured at the mountain or a doctor's note dated within 10 days of the injury. Students may cancel 10 days prior to the program start date at no cost.

Bags & Personal Belongings

We recommend all bags and equipment be labeled with your students name, school group, and phone number. The Hill is not responsible for any personal belongings or gear that is left behind. 

Hot Lunch Voucher

Vouchers that provide a hot lunch  for students are available for purchase. These vouchers are only valid on program days and only for the student participating. Menu is subject to change, but usually includes the following items: Hot Dog, Pizza, Chicken Strips. Each meal comes with a beverage, fruit and fries. Please contact us in advance at skischool@ski49n.com if the student has dietary restrictions that need accomodation.

Family Discounts

Discounted lift tickets and rentals are available for parents and siblings too old to participate in lessons. These can be purchased at the Snowsports School Desk each program day.

Money

The mountain accepts: cash, checks, and bankcards. There is also an ATM in the main lodge.

What to Expect

The skiing and/or snowboarding aren't usually the cold part of the activity. Riding up the mountain on the chair lift is generally where you will feel the cold and wind chill. If you do feel cold, go inside and warm up. When you go back out, put on an extra layer, a neck gaiter or maybe add some hot packs in your gloves or boots. If you are just starting to ski or snowboard, expect to spend some time in the snow. An extra pair of gloves or mitts to change into if your first pair gets wet will keep you warm. And, remember, everyone got started in the same way. Your first day is usually the most work. It gets easier with each day. DON'T GIVE UP.

Driving

Road conditions will probably change as you get higher in elevation. Clear and wet streets in the valleys can change to compact snow and ice in the mountains. Allow for more time than you might normally plan on. Winter weather tires are advised! Other drivers may not have abundant experience with snow driving, so drive cautiously and defensively

Clothing

There's nothing worse than being cold. The following clothing list is really the minimum that you should have. Remember that layering with several layers will be warmer than bulking on one thick layer.

• First Layer (long underwear). Synthetic fabrics like Polypropylene or wool are best. Avoid wearing cotton against your skin.
• A warm second layer such as a sweater or fleece jacket and fleece pants for cold days, or if your ski jacket/pants are not insulated.
• Ski socks with a high wool or polypropylene content (no t cotton athletic socks). Usually one pair of socks is best.
• Waterproof jacket and pants. Weather in the NW is unpredictable. Staying dry is the key to staying warm. Insulated or shells work fine. Layering will allow you to adjust for changing weather and temperature.
• Warm beanie/stocking cap (synthetic, wool, or polar fleece) & a ski/snowboard helmet.
• Ski/Snowboard goggles. Snowsport specific goggles are designed for the mountain environment. You absolutely need these if it is snowing at all. Moto goggles, etc. will not work well.
• Warm ski gloves that are insulated and water resistant.
• Polar fleece neck gaiter or face mask.

Some things to know if you are supplying your own ski equipment:

Ski boots that fit your foot. As with all athletic activities, proper foot wear is the most important piece of gear. A boot that is too small or too big will not let you ski efficiently. A poorly sized boot will probably hurt your feet and be cold too. Your boots should fit snugly , like a firm handshake, but not so tight that they pinch your foot. The boots should allow your ankles to flex forward without your foot sliding around in the boot or your heel lifting.

Skis that have bindings that are adjusted to your boots, your weight and skiing skill level. Bindings should be adjusted and tested by a certified ski tech. A good rule of thumb for ski length is somewhere between mouth and forehead. Never-ever or beginner skiers may want skis that are at the shorter end of that range . And, there's no question that the newer "shaped" skis are lots easier to maneuver than the old style "straight" skis.

Ski poles that are your proper size. Holding the pole upside down in front of you, gripping just below the basket with the pole grip on the floor and your upper arm held against your side, your elbow should make a 90° angle.

Some things to know if you are supplying your own snowboard equipment:

Your boots should fit your feet. They should not be overly tight, but not so loose that your foot "slops" around. A snug overall fit, like a firm handshake is what you are looking for. The boots should allow your ankles to flex forward without your foot sliding around in the boot or your heel lifting

Board length should be somewhere between mid-chest and nose in height. Modern strap bindings are preferred. Bindings should fit the boots well, with straps somewhere in the mid range of their adjustment, not at their shortest or longest. If you have skateboarded, wakeboarded, or slalom water-skied before, you will probably want to snowboard with the same foot forward you use for that sport. The foot you step forward with first after a light push from behind is a way to determine stance if you do not know.